Relations

… for he has been longing for all of you, and has been distressed because you heard he was ill.                                                                                                                                     Phil. 2.26

There is relationship again in this verse. This time it’s Epaphroditus’ relationship with the Philippians. They were the family, the family of believers into which God had knitted him. He had gone, willingly I’m sure, at their behest and on their behalf to care for Paul in his confinement.  

But he was missing his friends, his family in God. He became ill and got quite distressed that the Philippians had heard of his illness – how natural is that? When we love people we want them to be spared any anguish, especially when it concerns ourselves. Epaphroditus likely would have concealed his illness in order not to upset his friends.

Now he is better. I think also that Paul’s situation has somehow improved. He is talking of sending Epaphroditus back to his people, he speaks of releasing Timothy to visit them, and even hints that he might come himself.

Nobody lives unto themselves alone. We were created into relationship and are intended to live so. We are at our best when in good, healthy, satisfying relations with others.

I thank God for the wonderful family He has given me, both natural and spiritual. I cherish each one of them.

Loving God,

I thank You for all those You have drawn me into relationship with. I pray for each and every relationship. May they strengthen and grow deeper.

I pray also for new relationships, that I may join with others and share with them the love and blessing of connecting.

I thank You for my most precious relationship, the one I have with You.                   Amen.

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Fruitfulness

Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.                                                                                                                                                      Isa. 37.31

Judah was seriously impacted by the Babylonian invasion. Many of the Israelites were taken into captivity to Babylon. Some would not return to their home land. God, however, preserved a remnant in the land. In time, a further remnant would return to their God-given home from Babylon.

I am reminded that God gives, and God can take away (Job 1.21), but it seems that God can also leave a remnant that can, in time, grow new roots and flourish, producing more rich fruit.

After seventy years of exile in Babylon, God returned His people to Judah. There they remained and prospered until the Romans further “demolished” the country in 70AD. Again, a remnant remained, and today Jews are returning to Israel from all points of the globe.

I am further reminded that God “prunes”, and the effect and result of His pruning is to bring new health and increased fruitfulness. I consider whether anything has been “cut down” in my life. Can this be used as a pruning by God, and does He wish me to bring fresh fruit from it?

I am mindful of my failures in close human relationships (marriage). I recall, also, how many years ago after a deep disappointment, God told me that my relationship would be with Him. This has been so for a long time. It is rich and seems to get richer with the passage of time. Through my relationship with Him, God has enabled me to share with others. Hopefully, He has used me to encourage others in their relationships with Him. It just maybe that further fresh fruit is to come from my relationship with my wonderful, heavenly Father. I do hope so.

Most Wonderful Father,

I thank You for the beautiful relationship You drew me into so long ago. I thank You for the growth and glorious continuation of that relationship. I thank You for the opportunities You give me to share with others in divine relationship. I thank You, and I ask for more. Please increase my fruitfulness in You, in Jesus’ name I ask.          Amen.

Interceding

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes."
Luke 19.41,42


Jesus is making a "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem. Why, then, does He weep over the city? I think, even at this time of apparent jubilation, He sees the hearts of the people and how they will be swayed by the wiles of the self-seeking and self-preserving leaders, both religious and secular.

He proceeds to prophesy a coming against Jerusalem of their enemies who will build a siege embankment around the city, dash the people to the ground, and not leave one stone on another (v44). And the reason He states: "because you did not recognise the time of God's coming to you." Jerusalem was besieged by the Romans in 70AD. The temple was destroyed, the city ravaged, and the people enslaved and dispersed.

Today, Jesus - in glory - intercedes for those who come to God through Him (Heb. 7.25). The words of the letter say he is able to save (them) completely. Jesus was the answer when He entered Jerusalem all those centuries ago, but the people rejected Him. Jesus is the answer today. Jesus is the only answer. How many, I wonder, will be alert to this reality and respond to it positively, sincerely and lastingly? How many, like those in Jerusalem so long ago, will not recognise the time of God's coming?

The writer to the Hebrews tells me that Jesus intercedes for them. I dare to add my intercession to His.



Lord Jesus,
I hear You cry out today for the lost. I hold to the reality that the Lord's desire is for none to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3.9).
I humbly add my voice to Yours. I cry out for those who are caught up in worldly matters, whose focus seems to be on material prosperity and desires of the flesh. I speak to the Father and I say, 'Lord God, I ask You to draw these people to Jesus. Draw them to Him, and let Him bring them to You. Be active on this earth in Holy Spirit power. Let the world experience the majesty, power and love of the Holy Trinity. Let people everywhere turn to You and experience the beauty and joy of love itself. Let them willingly receive the promise of glorious eternal life. I ask this in Jesus; name.'    Amen.